i loved this book so much! viola reyes is such a relatable character, she doesn't take disrespect from anybody and stands up for herself (which gives her a reputation of being kind of a b****), she's strong and knows what she wants. Jack is my precious sunshine boy I just adore him. Also, I can't help but adore Bash he's also my pookie.

If you're looking for a opposites attract, slow burn, rom-com then look no further!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Oh thank you so much for an early copy of this book. I absolutely adored My mechanical romance and I could not wait to read this book and Alexene Farol Follmuth did not disappoint.Signature wit, humour and clever writing! I devoured it in one sitting.Absolutely in love !

10/10 - would recommend!

I absolutely loved this book. I loved how real it felt. The characters were really raw. I truly enjoyed this 100%.

We follow Viola & Jack. Who are both different but find each other in the same interest and one doesn’t know the other is doing so.. I love how it played out. I’m normally not a huge romance person but this was perfect for me.

Sweet, funny, and leaves you itching for a good fantasy read all a good recipe for a great time.

An absolute stellar read. This was equal parts coming of age and romance story mixed in perfectly with teen angst and the impending doom of a future you can't quite picture but know is coming, all bookended with the joys (and perils) of fandom life.

Sometimes when I read YA books in my 20's I can't help but be sad for the teen version of me who never got to hold this book in her hands. I'm so glad it's here for the current teens.

Vi Reyes is a ray of sunshine (not). She doesn’t back down to get what she wants and does NOT take any disrespect from ANYONE. Which is why people typically think she is unlikeable and kinda a b****. She is student body vice president, and loathes Jack Orsino, who somehow became actual president out of pure popularity. He is the typical football jock and is her nemesis.

As a girl who loves fantasy and combat video games, Vi is used to guys assuming she doesn’t know what she is doing, giving her unsolicited advice, and most of the time targeting her to kill first once they realize that a girl is playing a “boyish” game. To prevent this problem, Vi decides to play Twelfth Knight, her new favorite MMORPG as a boy (named Cesario) so that nobody knows who she truly is. She becomes one of the best players in the game.

One day, Vi is playing Twelfth Knight when she notices a pretty familiar username: dukeorsino12. Duke Orsino is one of Jack’s nicknames, and he recently began playing the game to distract him from the pain and loneliness that came with his major knee injury. The two of them quickly become best friends through this game, EXCEPT there is one big problem….. Jack doesn’t know he is actually playing with Vi; he thinks he is playing with a guy. What will he do when he finds out he’s been becoming close and sharing secrets with THE Vi Reyes this whole time??

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was so much fun to read this YA enemies-to-lovers story. I’ve never read a book about video games before so this was exciting!
4 stars from me!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with my first ever ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book! ♥

Absolutely amazing! Such a wonderful, witty, entertaining read. I'm a huge fan of Olivie Blake, and her first venture into YA was really well done. The characters are very distinct and well-rounded, and I adored them both so much! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a super solid YA contemporary romance!

Viola Reyes, a strong willed, intelligent, and quick witted 17 year old finds herself displeased with the sexism she faces in her everyday life and in her gaming community. To combat this, she plays video-games online under a male persona where she interacts with Jack, a football player and fellow high school student dealing with an injury. From here, a fun Shakespeare retelling filled with teenage angst, personal growth, and fun banter commences.

I love Olivie Blake’s (this authors pseudonym for her adult releases) fantasy novels and was super excited to read her YA contemporary work! She did an amazing job making gaming approachable (coming from someone with little to no experience) and created real, complex characters that developed throughout the story. My one complaint is that the first few chapters are somewhat hard to get through. Too many characters that were ultimately not important to the story were introduced - which felt somewhat useless. Besides that, this story was quite enjoyable and something I would absolutely recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review :)

I admit, I read this out of curiosity to see how the author of the very high-concept The Atlas Six would do at writing for a YA audience. And the answer is... surprisingly well. It's a very different style, but some of her trademark philosophy and complex psychology come through--it's just sneakier than in her adult books.

I actually found this hard to put down. The Shakespeare parallel works very well without being too heavy-handed, the characters are well-rounded and the themes relevant. It's not particularly funny, as rom-coms go, but I didn't find that a lack.

This was the exact book I expected as advertised and more. This was the perfect YA romcom and it had everything I ever want in a romcom. While this was YA, it did deal with topics that so many readers no matter the age will resonate with. It deals with the uncertainty in the future, especially for teens who are expected to make the decision on what they want to do with the rest of their lives. It also went into pushing people away to protect themselves, not allowing anyone to see your true self for fear of being rejected. But it also talks about being unapologetically yourself and that whoever you are and whatever you like should be embraced. The discussion of feminism and how looked down upon women are certain spaces really rang so true as a women in engineering.

There was not a single character I disliked in this. I adored Vi and Jack and all of the side characters added so much to the plot instead of just a tool to further the plot. Vi was definitely a character who comes off strong and a bit annoying in the beginning, but I think that was the point since her issue deals with not letting people see the real her. I loved her relationship with her family and her brother Bash and the friendship she developed with Olivia. Jack had so much growth going from the perfect star athlete to realizing there’s so much more to life besides football.

The relationship between Jack and Vi was so pure and their banter was TOP NOTCH. I loved seeing their relationship going from nemeses to lovers and how they only made each other better. I cannot truly put into words how much I loved this book.

Thank you to TorTeen and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

** More accurate rating would be 4.5 stars **

Out the gate, I will admit, I was not expecting to like this book. I went into the book thinking it was going to be a cringy high school romance with no development.

Boy, was I wrong. This book was the perfect read after an emotionally heavy true crime read. It had all the nerdiness and geekiness I could have asked for. The main character, Viola resonated with me, as I went through a similar phase of not letting anyone come close to me or my heart. Her character development throughout the book was fantastic, and Jack was the perfect sweet to her salty.

Is it the best romance book ever written? No, but that's an almost impossible feat. Were the tropes and little twists and turns enjoyable? 120%. It was cute and sweet without being overly cringy, and I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, cute read.

There are so many thing I want to say but I'm not sure how to make it eloquent. Let's try anyways.



❗️SPOILERS AHEAD❗️
Twelfth Knight proposes itself as a fun YA novel where the star athlete and the least liked person in school form a friendship through online gaming and the school's ASB. All true.

What is not said about Twelfth Knight is that it's gonna read many of its readers to filth with Viola's struggle to let people see her as she truly is in fear of getting hurt. A very "Get them before the get you" way of life. It's about what it's like to be a woman is any community and to be looked down on for being a woman. What is not said about Twelfth Knight is how it's going to make you rethink your whole life alongside Jack when your life gets turned completely flipped out from under you. Quite "What am I gonna do with life if i can't do [xyz]?"

Here's what you'll get take from this: the path you've laid our for yourself is not the only path you can take. It's okay to stray from the path. And it's okay to let people in. You might get hurt but a life alone is not always the best thing. Better to have tried and get hurt than to never try and never know.

I had the most fun reading this book. I laughed, cried and was read to filth on so many occasions. I have an absolute deep love for Olivia and Bash.

Alexene has never let me down and she wasn't gonna start today. I absolutely devoured Twelfth Knight and am definitely crying after reading the acknowledgements (idk why but they always get me). Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

twelfth knight is a love letter to fandom in many ways, but most especially the unexpected community it can bring to those who feel like no one really sees them. there can often be a lot of anger in people like that and it feels earned when we see characters like these go for what they want for once. on the flip side, i also liked the depiction of microaggressions female gamers often see in the space. for a place that is meant for community, egos can often make the space unsafe, so it may take active reflection to move in the right direction sometimes.

(+ i will say i enjoy farol follmuth's writing less in the ya genre as she tends to overemphasize certain themes, but this would be great for a younger reader.)

I loved this book! I can definitely see myself bringing it into my classroom. It would be excellent to pair with essays about intersectional feminism, like "Eloquent Rage" and "Uses of Anger." Would certainly prompt conversations about micro-aggressions, consent, white supremacy, and the patriarchy.

Twelfth Knight is a nerdy slow burn, opposites- attract rom-com about two teenagers named Vi and Jack.
 
Vi is prickly and responsible and takes all of her jobs quite seriously; frustrated with how women are perceived and treated in the gaming industry.

Jack is the popular and easy-going jock who is adored by everyone. When an injury comes between everything he has worked hard for, he takes a step back and focusing on other things. 

A mutual acquaintance of both Vi and Jack introduces him to the online MMORPG game called Twelfth Knight; a game that Vi also plays .... secretly as a male character.

Through circumstances on the screen and off of it Vi and Jack bond over secrets and schemes, but ultimately there is one big secret that could ruin it all. The question is.....can they survive the aftermath once all is revealed ?

Twelfth Knight is absolutely perfect for those who love all things nerdy such as Dungeons & Dragons, video gaming, incredibly sarcastic female leads, and sweet understanding jocks. It also reminded me of Ali Hazelwood writing in its own way.

The only two parts about this story is the overuse of the word "like" and that it slightly touches on the author's view of religion. I didn't think it added much to the story and could have been left out.

I loved Viola, she is probably one of the most relatable characters I've ever related to .

The characters were very likeable in their individual ways, I loved how the unlikely ones were weaved into the overall story line. The ending was cute and perfect.

I had a blast reading Twelfth Knight, it was perfect to read in between genres .

I was lucky enough to get an ARC from Netgalley & Tor Teen in exchange for an honest review!

I’m a sucker for Arthurian retellings and that was my first thought when I saw the cover!! I really enjoyed this coming of age story between two teens who play a game called Twelfth Knight! Both our main characters definitely had a lot in their plates and went through a lot! I liked that they leaned on each other through the game chat!

Be sure to pick this up on June 28, 2024

Viola Reyes is more than just annoyed; she's a force to be reckoned with in Tor Teen's delightful novel, "Twelfth Knight." As an ardent lover of fantasy worlds, Viola's meticulously crafted tabletop game campaign is dismissed by her majority male group, pushing her into a realm where she feels truly in control—the MMORPG Twelfth Knight. There, she adopts the guise of Cesario, a knight, to carve out a safe haven. Little does she know, her virtual sanctuary is about to intertwine with the real world when the lackadaisical Student Body President, Jack Orsino, stumbles into the gaming universe following a football injury.

The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, offering a nuanced understanding of Viola and Jack, both complex characters dealing with their fair share of challenges. Viola, often labeled a "b*tch" due to her refusal to conform, undergoes remarkable development throughout the narrative. While her guarded exterior initially makes her a challenging character to connect with, her journey toward self-acceptance is deeply gratifying.

Jack Orsino, the star football player, provides a breath of fresh air, representing every teenager who thought they had life figured out until they realized they didn't. The dual perspectives allow readers to delve into Jack's headspace during difficult times, and his gradual feelings for Viola are both sweet and heartwarming.

The book beautifully weaves Shakespearean references into its tapestry, offering clever nods to "Twelfth Night." The charming dialogue and cute romance capture the essence of teenage experiences, making it relatable and heartwarming. The narrative masterfully blends elements of self-discovery, romance, and the world of online gaming, creating a story that resonates with the timeless essence of Shakespeare and the contemporary allure of gaming culture.

While Viola's journey may be challenging and occasionally frustrating, her determination to stay true to herself is commendable. The relationship between Viola and Jack is a perfect balance, each serving as precisely what the other needs on their individual journeys of self-discovery. The third-act breakup feels natural and adds a layer of authenticity to their evolving relationship.

"Twelfth Knight" is a captivating coming-of-age story that expertly combines romance and real-world issues. The novel's exploration of gaming culture and fandoms is both entertaining and relatable, catering to a wide audience, from seasoned gamers to those casually dipping their toes into the gaming realm.

Overall, "Twelfth Knight" is an enchanting read that delivers on its promises of romance, self-discovery, and the irresistible allure of virtual worlds. Whether you're a fan of Shakespearean retellings or simply looking for a heartwarming and relatable YA novel, this book is a delightful addition to your reading list. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Heading into this, you might want to know that: 1) this is a retelling of "Twelfth Night" (which I absolutely should of figured out, but I thought it was just a cute play on the title) 2) this was written by Olivie Blake (and I didn’t love "The Atlas Six"). I think you have to enjoy her style of writing and on-the-nose retellings to really like this. There are YA novels with similar plots that I’ve relished, but the wordiness and Shakespeare overlay just aren’t my jam.

A girl in armor on a cover is all the information I need to read a book.

In all seriousness, I’m not much of a romance reader, but the premise here is intriguing. A good romance book needs a balance with some relevant issue or a strong character growth arc. Twelfth Knight delivers on the former but misses with the latter.

Vi is a gamer. She loves board games, role-play games, and things considered “nerdy.” Unfortunately, that space isn’t known for being female-friendly. Sure, certain fandoms are more welcoming to girls, but it’s because there is a prominent romance or some sexist idea. Thanks to the resident gamer in my house (hi, sissy), I also know that Vi’s treatment is not exaggerated. The boys are horrible, mansplaining and calling her a “b*tch” when she dares to have an opinion. Vi doesn’t take it lying down; she burns those bridges with a smile. She doesn’t let others dictate what she enjoys and takes precautions to avoid unfair hate when possible.

I like characters who are deemed b*tches. More often than not, b*tch is synonymous with “doesn’t let people walk over me.” Vi’s character arc just came too late in the story. Yes, people within her hobby are awful, but she takes that attitude towards everyone. She has a chip on her shoulder, but it’s never fully addressed. She’s derogatory towards girly things, like cheerleading and makeup. While I didn’t expect her to like those activities, her comments weren’t necessary. Her suddenly getting into girly things would have been ingenuine, but a moment of self-reflection on her actions would have sufficed. She’s quick to judge the popular crowd, yet that behavior is never acknowledged.

The redemption at the end wasn’t quite what I expected. Vi gives herself a bunch of character traits that she never projected. Being mean and closed-off doesn’t mean you’re sensitive. Not once does Vi portray any sensitivity, which is the first problem. Her independence leans into a critical harshness that specific characters in the story don’t deserve. She makes for an interesting main lead, which is hard to do in a YA romance. I have mixed feelings about her, but I loved how she didn’t back down when men were inappropriate and rude. She needs an attitude adjustment towards everyday people; there is such a thing as too brutal.

Jack’s character arc is much smoother. His football injury sends him into a spin with no direction in life. With so much time on his hands, he finally gets to find his interests outside of football. I liked how his love for football translated into his other hobbies. There was no cringe epiphany that he hated sports; he just found that what made the game so special to him existed in different spaces. Her slowly grew into himself and his personality. There’s a missed opportunity to address Jack’s need to be likable. He bases his worth on what he can give people. His dad (also his coach), his brother, and even his teammates place stock on his football abilities. His anxiety about his injury is a massive part of his insecurity. This topic is brought up but isn’t fleshed out.

Vi and Jack are cute together. I’m a sucker for the grumpy and sunshine trope, especially when the girl is the grumpy one. Their personalities fit together well, in a weird way. I did appreciate that the third-act breakup felt natural to the story. The miscommunication in romances is usually unnecessary, but Vi and Jack’s foundation is shaky, so it made sense that a specific issue would cause some cracks.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. There is a fantastic blend of romance and real-world issues. While I wanted more from the overall character arcs, the leads are still solid and have complex personalities. If you love fandoms and grumpy feminists who wield swords, give this one a go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group (Tor Teen) for the advance copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This books has both fantasy, gaming and sports wrapped into one book. I enjoyed how book is given dual POV so we are allowed to understand what each character is going through. I enjoyed the development of the characters.

Thank you for the arc!

I couldn't resist diving in when I heard of a Twelfth Night Shakespearean retelling within the realm of MMORPGs. As a devoted fan of Shakespeare retellings, the concept alone had me hooked from the start, and I'm pleased to say that this novel delivered!!

The narrative unfolds as a captivating coming-of-age story, with the spotlight on Viola as she navigates the
landscape of high school, friendships, and the rollercoaster of a blossoming romance. All the while, Viola conceals her true identity within the virtual world of an MMORPG. It blends elements of self-discovery, teenage romance, and the universe of online gaming, creating a narrative that resonates with both the timeless essence of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and the contemporary allure of gaming culture.

The novel's portrayal of gaming and fandoms strikes a chord, effortlessly transporting me back to a time when I, too, was immersed in the world of online gaming. The references are not only entertaining but also relatable, catering to both seasoned gamers and those who casually dip their toes into the gaming realm.

The dialogue and romance are charmingly cute, capturing the awkward yet endearing nature of teenage experiences. The dual perspectives of Viola and Jack offer a nuanced understanding of their characters, making their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship all the more compelling and fun to read. Viola and Jack, the central characters, form a perfect balance, each serving as precisely what the other needs on their individual journeys of self-discovery.

Honesty I don't know what else to say but the fact that I liked this book and to go read it yourself!

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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